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Building Inspection & Zoning

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1. Are there any structures that are exempt from the Virginia Uniform Statewide Building Code?

Yes, please consult with the Building Department at (276) 679-1160 prior to the start of any construction, renovation, or demolition process.

2. Are there exemptions in the requirement to obtain a permit?

Yes, there are certain projects and structures that do not require the acquisition of a permit. Please consult with the Building Department at (276) 679-1160 prior to the start of any project in order to determine compliance with the Virginia Uniform Statewide Building Code and local zoning codes.

3. What building codes are enforced by the City of Norton?

The City of Norton enforces the Virginia Uniform Statewide Building Code (VUSBC) which adopts and amends the International Code Council’s model codes. On July 14, 2014 the Virginia General Assembly adopted the 2012 version of the VUSBC with a one-year transition period in which applicants can choose between the 2009 or 2012 version of the VUSBC. The model codes that have been adopted and amended by the VUSBC are as follows:

• 2012 International Building Code
• 2012 International Residential Code
• 2012 International Mechanical Code
• 2012 International Plumbing Code
• 2011 National Electrical Code
• 2012 Energy Conservation Code
• 2012 Fuel / Gas Code

The International Code Council has published the VUSBC and the model codes in their amended form. The following books can be purchased from the International Code Council:

• 2012 Virginia Construction Code
• 2012 Virginia Residential Code
• 2012 Virginia Plumbing Code
• 2012 Virginia Mechanical Code
• 2012 Virginia Statewide Fire Prevention Code
• 2012 Virginia Maintenance Code
• 2012 Virginia Fuel Gas Code
• 2012 Virginia Rehabilitation Code
• 2012 Virginia Energy Conservation Code
• 2012 Virginia Regulations

4. What is the Virginia Maintenance Code and does it apply to the Citizens of the City of Norton?

The Virginia Maintenance Code is maintenance standards that apply to existing buildings and structures. Unlike the mandated building code, each locality in the State of Virginia has the option to adopt all, or part of the Virginia Maintenance Code. The City of Norton adopted the entire Virginia Maintenance Code in 1987. The Property Maintenance Code covers exterior, interior, plumbing, electrical, mechanical, and fire safety issues of existing structures. In short, the Property Maintenance Code provides safe, sanitary minimum standards in which an existing structure must be maintained.

5. What is the difference between the Virginia Uniform Statewide Building Code and the Virginia Maintenance Code?

The VUSBC is mandated by the State of Virginia and it applies to new construction. The Virginia Maintenance Code is optional and it applies to existing buildings in which the two-year statute of limitation has expired after new construction.

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City Sheriff's Office

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1. Does the City of Norton have a sheriff’s office?

Yes, the City of Norton has a sheriff’s office, as well as a police department. Police Department

2. Do deputies have the authority to issue a traffic summons or arrest?

Yes, the sheriff and deputies have the statutory authority to enforce the laws and ordinances of the Commonwealth of Virginia and the City of Norton.

3. What is the difference between the sheriff’s office and the police department?

The sheriff’s office is responsible for providing courtroom security, civil process serving, and transporting juvenile and mental detainees. The sheriff’s office also provides the school with the DARE Program.

The Norton Police Department is the primary law enforcement agency and does all criminal investigations and complaints. They respond to all emergency 9-1-1 calls 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

4. What are the sheriff's office hours?

The sheriff’s office is open from 8:30 am to - 5:00 pm. These hours correspond with the administrative offices of the city and also are within the courts operational hours.

5. What is the fee for serving process?

The fees for service of process is $12 for most in-state service and $75 for out-of-state service. For more details, please refer to the following page. Fees

6. What is the process for evictions?

To review the city's process for evictions, please visit the following page. Process for Evictions

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CodeRED Emergency Notification System FAQs

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1. What is CodeRED?

The CodeRED Emergency Notification System is a fast communication service allowing the City of Norton to notify citizens of an emergency situation. It enables the city to provide mass notification quickly and easily. This service is free to all City of Norton residents and businesses located within our incorporated limits.

2. How will I benefit from this service?

This high-speed telephone system will allow the City of Norton to contact participants to provide information about a critical situation, what action needs to be taken, and notification that the situation has been resolved.

3. What do I have to do to receive this benefit?

To receive CodeRED and Weather Warning Calls, you must register your home, cell phone, or business phone number in the CodeRED database. If you would like to join the Weather Warning program make sure to check the Weather Warning Box on the Registration Form before you submit. Sign Up

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CodeRED Weather Warning FAQs

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1. What is CodeRED Weather Warning?

CodeRED Weather Warning is a bonus feature City of Norton residents can also sign up for while signing up for CodeRED. The CodeRED Weather Warning will automatically call citizens when severe weather (tornado, flash flood, and severe thunderstorm) warnings are issued by the National Weather Service for your address. The CodeRED Weather Warning System calls only when warnings are issued and only if your address is in the path of the storm.

2. What message will I receive from CodeRED Weather Warning?

CodeRED Weather Warning will deliver a prerecorded alert message directly to residents phones in the projected path of the severe weather. The system automatically sends these notifications without any effort from your staff 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, providing your residents the needed time to prepare. This becomes even more critical if a tornado comes through your area during the night, when television, radio broadcasts, and sirens are ineffective.

3. How does CodeRED Weather Warning work?

CodeRED Weather Warning uses new polygon warning methodologies based on storm based warnings direct from the National Weather Service (NWS) and contacts only those in the affected areas, eliminating many false alarms associated with prior notification methods.

CodeRED Weather Warning monitors each NWS bulletin to determine the severity of the warning and the exact area(s) affected coupled with the predicted heading of the threatening storm. CodeRED Weather Warning then creates a calling database of all subscribers within the projected area of the severe weather. This calling database is then immediately submitted to the CodeRED Weather Warning automated calling system. By eliminating the need for human intervention to active warnings we have significantly decreased the response time for fast-moving storms.

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Norton Friends & Farmers Market

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1. What do I do to become a vendor?

Contact us by phone, email or regular mail.

2. Can I just show up and get a spot?

Weekly rental is on a first come first serve basis if space is available. All vendors must agree to follow the rules of operation. Calling ahead is always a good idea, but not necessary.

3. Can animals be sold at the market?

No.

4. Are vendors required to grow, make or bake what they sell?

Yes.

5. Are there special requirements for selling ready-to-eat food items?

Yes. All ready-to-eat food items, with the exception of baked goods, honey, jams, jellies and molasses, must be approved by the market organizer prior to sell.

6. Who should I contact if I have a complaint about a vendor?

Vendors are independent contractors and complaints about products purchased should be directed to vendor.

7. Is the market held year-round?

No. We operate from June through October. Our dates are set by growing season and availability of products.

8. When is the market open?

Tuesday evenings from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m., rain or shine.

9. How can I find out about special programs?

Check this website often, and local newspapers and radio announcements.

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Parks and Recreation Department

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1. Is the Norton Community Center available for rent?

Yes, the community center is available for rent on weekends for those interested in renting a room for birthday parties, showers and special events.

2. How much are the rooms at the community center?

50.00 per room with a fifty-dollar deposit on each room.

3. How big are the meeting rooms?

We have three and they are 30 x 30.

4. When does Flag Rock open?

Flag Rock is open year-round for hikers, mountain bikers, fishing, and sightseeing. The campground and shelter rentals are available April through October.

5. Do you reserve shelters at Flag Rock?

Yes, we have two large shelters that rent for $50.00 per day.

6. Do you offer classes at the Community Center?

Yes, do you have a specific class you’re interested in?

7. Do you have to make a reservation to camp at Flag Rock?

No, campsites are first come first serve.

8. When will you be stocking fish?

Norton Reservoir is a state-stocked trout water. Stocking occurs annually between Oct. 1 and May 15.

9. Can you fish in the Lower Reservoir?

Yes. See Norton Fishing Regulations page for details.

10. How much are fishing licenses?

A Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries trout license is required between Oct. 1 and June 15.

11. Do you also have to have a state license?

A Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries trout license is required between Oct. 1 and June 15.

12. How many fish do you stock?

Norton Reservoir is a state-stocked trout water. Stocking occurs annually between Oct. 1 and May 15. The catch limit for trout is six fish per day. Trout less than 7 inches must be released. The catch limit for catfish is five fish per day. Catfish less than 15 inches must be released.
Trout and catfish only stocked in Upper Reservoir. Fishing is permitted in Lower Reservoir where all other fishing regulations also apply.

13. What items can be recycled?

We recycle glass, clear, green and brown, plastic 1 and 2, newspapers, magazines, and aluminum.

14. Where can I recycle?

We have a curbside program and drop off stations at the Norton Community Center, Greene’s Car Wash, Wal Mart, and the Norton Elementary & Middle School also has a drop off container.

15. Can I get on the curbside recycling route?

The recycling route is not adding any additional houses at this time.

16. Do you reserve shelters at the City parks?

Yes, we reserve the gazebo at the City Park, the shelters at Flag Rock, Clear Creek, and Legion Parks.

17. Is there a fee to reserve the shelters?

There is no fee to reserve the four small shelters in Flag Rock Recreation Area. There is a $50 fee to reserve the two large picnic shelters in Flag Rock Recreation Area. There is a $20 fee to reserve the shelters at Legion Park, Clear Creek Park, and Norton City Park. Contact (276) 679-0754 for more information and to reserve shelters.

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Registrar's Office

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1. Am I registered to vote?

Contact the voter registrar at (276) 679-1162, or check online at the following website. Virginia State Board of Elections

2. How do I register to vote?

To be eligible to register to vote in Virginia, you must meet all of the following criteria:

• You must be a resident of Virginia.
  
• You must be a U.S. citizen.
  
• You must be 18 years old, or 18 by the next general election.
  
• You cannot claim the right to vote in any other state.
  
• You cannot be currently declared mentally incompetent by a court of law.
  
• If a convicted felon, your right to vote must be restored.

You can obtain a Voter Registration Application at any DMV, public library, social service agency, or voter registrar’s office in Virginia, or you may download the form here, complete, sign, and fax or mail it to the registrar’s office at:
201 Park Ave. NE
P.O. Box 225
Norton, VA 24273 Voter Registration Application

3. Where do I vote?

Voters in the City of Norton vote in the council chambers, located in the municipal building at 618 Virginia Avenue.

4. How do I vote using an absentee ballot?

Voters may vote using an absentee ballot in person or by mail. You may request an Absentee Voting Application by calling (276) 679-1162 or visiting the Registrar's Office located at 201 Park Avenue Northeast. This form can also be downloaded from the State Board of Elections website linked below.

The Registrar's Office will process your application and mail your absentee ballot the day that it is received. Once you receive the absentee ballot, simply follow the instructions included, signing all forms, and return in the enclosed envelope. Virginia State Board of Elections

5. Can I have a duplicate voter card?

You may contact this office at (276) 679-1162 and request another card be mailed to your address on file.

6. Where is the Registrar's Office?

The Registrar's Office is located at 201 Park Avenue Northeast in the Community Center, next to the swimming pool.

7. What are your office hours?

From January through July, we're open from 8:30 am to 5:00 pm, Mondays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays. From August through December, we're open from 8:30 am to 5:00 pm, Monday through Friday. We are always closed for lunch from 1:00 pm to 2:00 pm.

8. What time do the polls open and close?

All polling places are open from 6:00 am to 7:00 pm on election days.

9. What day is the election held on?

General elections are held on the first Tuesday of November.

10. Can you send me the results of the most recent election?

You may contact the Registrar's Office at (276) 679-1162 and request the results be sent to you by either phone, fax, or email.

You can also view the results online at the following website. Virginia State Board of Elections

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Social Services

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1. Where is your office located?

The Norton City Department of Social Services office is located at 644 Park Avenue, at the intersection of Park Avenue and 7th Street.

2. What are your hours of operation?

We are open Monday through Friday from 8:30 am to 5:00 pm. We are closed for lunch from 12:00 noon to 1:00 pm. The office observes state holidays and closes for these holidays.

3. Do I contact Norton City Department of Social Services for issues regarding child support?

No. In Virginia, child support issues are handled by the Division of Child Support Enforcement. You may reach them by calling (800) 468-8894.

4. How may I contact my eligibility worker or social worker?

You may contact either an eligibility worker or social worker by calling our office at (276) 679-2701 and asking to speak to your assigned worker.

5. How do I apply for benefits?

You may apply at our office in person, or you may complete an online application. Benefits for SNAP and Medicaid are available online. See the link for the state website, if you wish to complete an online application. The final decision regarding your eligibility for assistance must be made by a Norton City Department of Social Services eligibility worker. Virginia Department of Social Services

6. Are there any general requirements?

Yes, in order to apply, you must meet the following criteria:

• You must live in Virginia
  
• You must be a United States citizen, or meet certain requirements, if you are an immigrant
  
• You must apply at the agency that services the city or county you live in
  
• You must meet the specific requirement of each program you apply for

7. Will I need to provide any sort of documentation?

Yes. Federal, state, and local policies require that certain verifications are provided before your application may be processed. Your eligibility worker will advise you as to what specific information will be needed. Some examples of the requested verifications are:

• Proof of identity
  
• Birth verification (benefits programs differ on this - ask your worker what you may provide)
  
• Social Security numbers for all household members
  
• Verifications of all income

You may be requested to verify resources, expenses, or household composition upon request of worker.

8. How soon will I know if my application is approved?

With some exceptions, a decision must be made within:

• 45 days of application for medical assistance
  
• 30 days of application for SNAP benefits and financial assistance (seven days if the household qualifies for SNAP expedited services)
  
• 30 days for the TANF / TANF-UP program

9. My application was denied, because I could not provide all of the requested information. May I reapply?

Yes. You may reapply at any time.

10. Who is eligible for SNAP benefits?

Anyone who meets the established income and resource limits may be eligible for SNAP benefits.

11. When do I get my SNAP benefits?

If you are approved for and remain eligible, your ongoing benefits will be available on the first day of each month by 12:00 noon.

12. How do I get my SNAP benefits?

Each month that you are eligible, the SNAP benefits will be automatically added to your electronic benefits transfer (EBT) card automatically.

13. Where can I shop with my electronic benefits transfer (EBT) card?

Authorized EBT retailers will display a picture of the Virginia EBT card. If you do not see a sign, ask the store manager if they accept EBT before you begin shopping.

14. What if I lose or damage my electronic benefits transfer (EBT) card?

If your EBT card is lost, stolen, or damaged, call the toll-free customer service help line at (866) 281-2448 to report it. A new card will be mailed on the next business day. Or, you may contact your worker to request a new card if necessary. There is a $2 replacement fee charged, which will be deducted from your EBT card balance.

15. How do I report child or adult abuse?

Contact our office at (276) 679-2701, the Norton Police Department at (276) 679-1211, or you may call the state child / adult abuse hot line toll-free at (800) 552-7096 for child protective services, call (888) 832-3858 for adult protective services. You may talk with a social worker at the agency also.

16. How do I become a foster parent?

If you are interested in becoming a foster parent, please contact a social worker at (276) 679-2701 and they will be happy to talk with you about the requirements and procedures. The agency is in need of foster homes.

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Water Treatment Department

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1. How will I know if my water isn’t safe to drink?

Your water supplier must notify you by newspaper, mail, radio, TV, or by hand-delivery if your water doesn’t meet EPA of State Standards or if there is a waterborne disease emergency. The notice will describe any precautions you need to take, such as boiling your water. Follow the advice of your water supplier if you receive such a notice. The most common drinking water emergency is contamination by disease-causing germs. Boiling your water for one minute will kill these germs. You can also use common household bleach or iodine to disinfect your drinking water at home in an emergency, such as a flood.

2. Does the city water have Fluoride present?

Yes. The city water system injects Fluoride into the city water system at a range of 0.85 – 1.0 mg/l
Fluoride has been shown to reduce tooth decay in children’s teeth if they receive an adequate level. The optimal concentration, as recommended by The Centers for Disease Control (CDC), is approximately (0.90 mg/l)

3. My water is cloudy and milky looking. Why is that?

The cloudy and milky water is caused by air. The cloudy or milky water appearance usually occurs when water has been shut-off for line repairs or when a newly installed line is first put into service. Although aesthetically unpleasing, it presents no harmful health effects.

4. Why is my drinking water dirty or muddy?

A muddy appearance could be due to soil or sand that entered the pipes supplying your home during a pipe burst, repairs or maintenance operations. If your water has a muddy appearance allow the water to run until it clears, approximately 10–15 minutes.

5. What is the drinking water report that I receive?

Water suppliers must deliver to their customer’s annual drinking water quality reports (consumer confidence reports). These reports will tell consumers what contaminants have been detected in their drinking water, how these detection levels compare to drinking water standards, and where their water comes from. The report must be provided annually before July 1, and in most cases, are mailed directly to the customer's home.